In addition to staying inside where it's warm during the really cold weather, there are other precautions you can take to keep your kids safe this winter season.

When considering your children's safety this winter, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose appropriate clothing and footwear. Clothing and footwear that is too tight can restrict movement and blood flow, which can actually make your kids feel colder. Opt for wind and waterproof layers and head, neck, face and hand protection to keep your kids dry and warm. When choosing footwear, select appropriate sized winter boots that have good traction.

2. Remember the snow reflects the sun's ultraviolet rays, so be sure to use sunscreen and have the kids wear sunglasses when playing outdoors. Even on cloudy winter days, the sun can still cause damage.

3. Be prepared for bad weather. Stock your home and car with extra dry hats, mittens and socks. Be sure your vehicle is loaded with emergency supplies like a shovel, blanket and flashlight and refresh your first-aid kits in your home and car. Keep a few nonperishable food items on hand should you lose power during a storm.

4. Play safe. When sledding, snowboarding, skiing or ice skating, be sure your children always wear a helmet and other appropriate protective gear. Be sure your children only use proper age and size appropriate equipment and only skate on outdoor frozen lakes and ponds that have been inspected and authorized for skating.

5. Heat your home safely. Before the cold weather sets in, be sure your home heating equipment and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Avoid using space heaters and your oven for home heating, which can pose a risk for fire and injury. When using a fireplace, use extreme caution and protective barriers to ensure your children's safety. Always teach your children about fire safety and the importance of staying away from heat sources in the home.

The winter months provide wonderful opportunities to visit friends and family, play outdoors and enjoy a toasty fire. These things can all be done a bit safer with a little planning and preparation.

With her background as an International Nanny Association Credentialed Nanny specializing in caring for multiples, Michelle has been partnering with parents in raising their children since 1994.

With her extensive experience in newborn, infant and child care, and with her passion for setting herself apart from her peers by providing top-notch service, Michelle is regularly called on by the most popular parenting magazines and websites to share her knowledge and expertise. She has been featured on Parents.com, Parenting.com, and BabyTalk.com and regularly contributes to ModernMom.com, Mumtastic.com, and other popular parenting websites.

Michelle has contributed to TWINS Magazine and wrote a chapter for the best-selling Experts' Guide to the Baby Years. Michelle has also authored four books of her own entitled, Nanny to the Rescue!, Nanny to the Rescue Again!, Working Mum's 411 and A Mum's Ultimate Book of Lists. She also co-authored Beyond Parenting Basics: The International Nanny Association’s Official Guide to In-Home Child Care.

Michelle is an active member of the nanny and baby planner communities. In 2004, Michelle was honored as the International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year> and received accolades from President George Bush for her dedication to improving quality in-home child care. Michelle serves on the advisory board of the International Academy of Baby Planner Professionals and has served on the board of directors and as vice president of the International Nanny Association. She has also served as the executive director of the International Nanny Association and as a trainer for The Academy of Coaching Parents International.

Michelle currently serves as the editor in chief of Longhorn Leads, managing the content across their portfolio of care related sites including www.eNannySource.com, www.GoNannies.com, www.NannyPro.com, and www.4Nannies.com, in addition to serving as the executive director of Morningside Nannies, the company’s award-winning placement agency.

Michelle is a national speaker, bringing a message of hope and empowerment to mums groups across the nation. She and her husband Jeff, reside on Cape Cod with their daughter, Abigail, and their son, Luke.